Ware coach George Robidoux remembered by son Billy Jo

Billy Jo Robidoux has many cherished memories of his athletic career at Ware High School, but one stands above all others.

“Winning the state baseball championship on Father’s Day – that was very special to me,” he said.

Ware’s state title came in 1981, the year after George Robidoux had stepped down as baseball coach. His son David replaced him, and won with younger brother Billy Jo in the hero’s role.

As a senior, Billy Jo sparked Ware to Super Bowl glory in football, playing for coach Jim Talarico.

“My dad stopped coaching football a few years before, but he was in the stands that day, cheering us on,” he said.

George Robidoux died last Sunday at the age of 72. A Ware scholarship fund bears his name.

“He was a great man, a mentor for so many kids. He was an educator for 33 years, and a lot of people have told me he was the best teacher they ever had. What I learned from him was to give 100 per cent all the time, not just some of the time,” Billy Jo said.

After high school, Billy Jo signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He went on to play six years in the big leagues as an outfielder/first baseman in a career shortened by a knee injury.

He now works for the Ware Highway Department.

PURPLE PRIDE: Cathedral High School’s hockey program will get a financial boost next weekend. A fund-raising dinner at the Springfield Elks Club on Jan. 29 and alumni hockey action at the Olympia on Jan. 30 will highlight the festivities.

The fund-raising dinner, now in its third year, is sponsored by John and Brian Hoar in memory of their father, Jack Hoar, who played for Cathedral in the ‘60s.

Richmond gets the franchise that formerly belonged to Norwich, Conn. The move has caused the EL to realign. The New Britain Rock Cats will now be in an East Division that also includes Binghamton, Manchester, Portland, Reading and Trenton.

The new West Division consists of Richmond, Akron, Altoona, Bowie, Erie and Harrisburg.

THERE’S TERRY:Â This week’s “Hitting to All Fields” asked where former Springfield player Terry Yake has gone. Answer: He’s an assistant high school hockey coach in St. Charles, Mo.